Mahaffey Camp

Mission statement

The purpose of Mahaffey Camp and Conference Center is to serve as a Christian Center to evangelize, disciple and provide fellowship for individuals of all ages to the glory of God. This is to be accomplished by developing a year-round program that would maintain the present family camp, and include such other possibilities as retreats, conferences, children and youth camps, vacationing for constituents, and such other activities as would serve the best interest of our district family and the worldwide ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance.

History

Mahaffey Camp had its beginning in 1894 when Rev. William Bryenton, a Methodist minister, along with several others, chose a beautiful pine grove close to the boro of Mahaffey, PA to hold a camp meeting. So successful was the 1894 camp meeting that Bryenton and his congregation determined to repeat the event the next summer. When the time arrived, food vendors as well as some folks selling liquor made their way to the site. Disapproving of alcohol, Bryenton and James Stephenson had a time of prayer and began a search for an alternate site. Mr. Stephenson owned a tract of land one mile down the Susquehanna River. It proved to be an ideal location. Everything they needed was there, including the right to control those who had access to the grounds during the camp meetings. On November 29, 1895, Stephenson deeded the land to the Susquehanna Park Holiness Camp Meeting Association with the provision that it always be used for a holiness camp meeting.

In 1913 the annual gathering of the Susquehanna Park Holiness Camp Meeting Association came under the control of The Christian and Missionary Alliance and its long name was shortened to Mahaffey Camp. In its 100+ years, Mahaffey-goers have listened to a list of Bible teachers. These have included most of the presidents of The C&MA, a generous sprinkling of college administrators and faculty, and a long list of other notables. The missionary voices have literally encompassed the world in their representation. The roster of names is a who's who in Alliance missions spanning the past century.

Although no record has been kept of those at Mahaffey Camp who have received Christ as Saviour or dedicated their lives to full-time Christian service, the stories of spiritual victory at camp are legion. Many of those who made decisions did so as children. They were taken to Mahaffey Camp by concerned parents, pastors, or friends. Today, Mahaffey Camp is the second largest gathering of pastors, Christian workers, and lay people in the denomination of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, surpassed only by the church-wide General Council.

In 1992, Mahaffey Camp of The C&MA was incorporated as a non-profit organization. Its directorship was changed from that of the assistant superintendent of the Western PA District of the C&MA to a full-time Director/Developer."History of the Camp". Mahaffey Camp. 

Facilities

The Mahaffey Camp and Conference facilities are rustic, set in the Western Pa foothills, surrounded by beautiful hills. Over 200 privately owned cottages, three dormitories (dorm numbers 2, 4, & 5 are still in use), two longhouses, many chalets, and three RV trailer and tent areas comprise the accommodations for Family Camp in July.

There are two main tabernacles for church services. The Main Tabernacle houses all adult services and the Youth Tabernacle houses all youth services and Y.E.S. events (Youth Extra Service). The Dining Hall serves three meals daily during Family Camp and is air-conditioned. Sandwiches, snacks and limited grocery items are available at the Camp Store(During Family and Applefest only).

The campground continues to upgrade its facilities as funds are available.

Activities

Through the Year many activities will take place on the campgrounds, most of these take place inside the Dining Hall, though things like the "Applefest" takes place throughout the camp.

Here are a few of the activities that take place:

Summer camps

Family Camp

Youth Camps

Specialized Camps